Help ASAP: Uggs, Emus or Bearpaws for DD11?

[EMom]

Of course she wants them. They're comfy and all her friends have them. And she's not exaggerating. Given the area demographics, I'm sure Uggs are everywhere in her grade.

Problem is, I hate to part with $110-$120 +tax for a pair of boots for an 11 y.o. But I am torn, because I do not want to set her up for being made fun of for wearing Fuggs. (fake Uggs) So I am asking for your 2 cents regarding cost, quality, comfort and durability of Uggs, Emus and Bearpaws in hopes that will help me make a decision.

If you have info specific to kids, that would be especially helpful. We need to buy them very soon, so any info you could share would be appreciated.

 

[Aneille]

We just got my dd a pair of Uggs for her 9th birthday.

She had a pair of cheap knock-off's (not Emu's or Bearpaws) and she liked them but she wanted Uggs.

I ordered from Zappo's and I must say the quality appears to be really good. The sole was nice and thick and the fur inside is so soft. My DD said she they were really squishy and felt great. She loves them and has worn them almost everyday since she got them last week.

My Mom got a pair at Nordstroms last week and she really likes hers too. I am thinking of asking for a pair for Christmas for myself. They seem really comfy and appear durable for everyday wear.

If I were you, I would go check out a pair at the mall and see what you think before purchasing them. Even the Stride Rite at our mall is carrying UGG's for kids now.

 

[allison443]

I bought my dds Uggs five years ago. The ones that still fit, they are still wearing. One of them could use a cleaning, but they aren't worn out yet! My youngest dd outgrew hers and we passed them on to my niece.

They were more expensive than the other brands, but I don't mind spending more on something that is going to be worn/used a lot.

 

[southern_redhead]

If you were just asking about value I'd say go for the Bearpaws. I have a pair and love them (lt pink so they got nasty but I still use em at home.) I may order a second pair in a darker color.

But...it is your DD and if you think she would be made fun of (kids can be cruel over the silliest things...) then I'd get the UGGS. JMTCW

 

[mommasita]

I just made the purchase for my DD11 for Xmas. It is so true that everyone has them. However, that was not my sole reason.

They REALLY are worth it IMO. I am going on season 4 with them, and although they have a little damage to the toe area, they will still last one or 2 more seasons, and a BIG season here in Montreal. Winter that is

I did purchase a larger size, so they will last year a few years as well. Her feet hardly grow (watch them grow now, lol) so I figure it is a good investment.

I hear you 100% on the fake and being mocked. Sad, but true, it happens. I know I have had a LOT of knockoffs, and they just did not last at all. So, for me it is you get what you pay for.

ETA: Have you checked out eastbay. They are legit.

 

[EMom]

I just made the purchase for my DD11 for Xmas. It is so true that everyone has them. However, that was not my sole reason.

They REALLY are worth it IMO. I am going on season 4 with them, and although they have a little damage to the toe area, they will still last one or 2 more seasons, and a BIG season here in Montreal. Winter that is

I did purchase a larger size, so they will last year a few years as well. Her feet hardly grow (watch them grow now, lol) so I figure it is a good investment.

I hear you 100% on the fake and being mocked. Sad, but true, it happens. I know I have had a LOT of knockoffs, and they just did not last at all. So, for me it is you get what you pay for.

ETA: Have you checked out eastbay. They are legit.

When I lived in Australia, everyone in the dorm had a pair...except the foreigners like me. All the Aussies did. They were NOT considered fashionable. They were worn for practical reasons. They kept them for years and the Uggs were tough, but for all I know the quality has changed. That was the 80s......

DD is pretty well-liked and doesn't get teased, but I'd hate to set her up for it, ya know? Maybe she'd get a pass and maybe she wouldn't. Kids everywhere are label-conscious, but here they have the money to back it up. I am one of the few people around to use the word "budget."

 

[dislaney]

They really do last a long time. An eleven year old with a foot that probably hasn't stopped growing will probably outgrow them before wearing them out. I still wear my first pair.

As far as the making fun, I guess it depends on your area. My dd has more than one pair of Uggs and still wears some of the knockoffs esp when there is rain or something. Most of her friends do the same. You probably know your area better than me and if the kids will make fun of her I'd definitely buy her a pair.

 

[m&m's mom]

My 11 year old is getting her second pair of Uggs this year for Christmas. They are excellent quality and completely worth the extra amount.
Here's a vote for the real Uggs.

 

[5lilfish]

I was with you on this choice last year. My 11 yr old asked for Uggs. I told her that it was something I would consider but I asked her if she really wanted a pair of boots to be her BIG Christmas gift. When she really thought about it, boots were not what she wanted for her big "wow" gift. I'm glad she came to this decision on her own because, honestly, I didn't want to buy them (and might not have bought them regardless). I ended up getting her, and her younger sister (and myself), a pair of BearPaws. Both girls liked them, and I have never heard any mention of being made fun of. We live in an area where many of the kids have Uggs. My kids don't seem to care about what others are wearing though...thankfully. If they cared more, maybe I would consider buying Uggs, but it would have to be a pretty passionate plea for me to dish out over $100 on fashion boots that my child was going to outgrow in a couple months.

Jess

 

[crzy4my2]

At 11 I would think her feet have stopped growing??? Yes?? If so then the Uggs will last her a while. My DD is only 7 so she will not get Uggs until her feet are done growing. Bearpaws are actually very popular around here. I know someone who has had both and said that the Bearpaws are warmer.
I was also told if you do buy Uggs, they have to say Australia on them, if not then they are not the "real"ones???

 

[EMom]

At 11 I would think her feet have stopped growing??? Yes?? If so then the Uggs will last her a while. My DD is only 7 so she will not get Uggs until her feet are done growing. Bearpaws are actually very popular around here. I know someone who has had both and said that the Bearpaws are warmer.
I was also told if you do buy Uggs, they have to say Australia on them, if not then they are not the "real"ones???

No, she has small feet....probably the smallest in her class. Those feet have always been small for her size. When she was 3, I had to use size 3 CRIB SHOES for her Halloween outfit. I think she was in 1st or 2nd grade before she got out of toddler shoes. Whatever I buy, I will make sure they have room to grow.

 

[Pigeon]

My kids have Bearpaws. DD13 is on her second season in the same pair, and they've held up great and she loves them.

She had wanted UGGs. We were in a store one day last year trying on shoes and she went over to look at a pair of UGGs. She came back to me and said, "OMG, Mom, they want $180 for those boots. That is so stupid. Do NOT buy me those for Christmas." I love that kid.

We have a school district with a lot of wealthy kids. Some have UGGs, some do not. My kids haven't gotten any grief about Bearpaws. I think that since UGGs have come out with so many different styles now, it's less of an issue, since everybody isn't wearing identical boots to express their individuality.

 

[luvmy3]

Go with Emu or Ugg, if you are looking for quality. Bearpaw is not the same. Dd had a pair and they fell apart before the season was over, and her friends did the same. I replaced them with Emus and she has had them now for 2 years and while they need to be cleaned they are in great shape. I have Uggs, and have had them for 2 years too, and now my dd wears them more than I do. I got her own for Christmas and when she outgrows them, they'll fit me

 

[RUDisney]

DD's grandmother bought her a pair when DD was in the same size as me. I inherited them when her feet got bigger.

As for kids being cruel, I went to a Prep HS at the height of the first preppie craze in the 1980s. I was the only one at my school who didn't have alligators or whales on my clothes. I was confident enough in myself that it didn't matter to me. Because I was confident, no one ever teased me. I had to plead for Sebago penny loafers because they were $65. There's no way I'd have ever had real Ugg's back then.

As for cleaning Ugg's, et al, our local dry cleaner is now cleaning them. I mention this as an option for those who said your Ugg's need to be cleaned. I'd bet you could also find a dry cleaner to do it.

 

[mommasita]

DD's grandmother bought her a pair when DD was in the same size as me. I inherited them when her feet got bigger.

As for kids being cruel, I went to a Prep HS at the height of the first preppie craze in the 1980s. I was the only one at my school who didn't have alligators or whales on my clothes. I was confident enough in myself that it didn't matter to me. Because I was confident, no one ever teased me. I had to plead for Sebago penny loafers because they were $65. There's no way I'd have ever had real Ugg's back then.

As for cleaning Ugg's, et al, our local dry cleaner is now cleaning them. I mention this as an option for those who said your Ugg's need to be cleaned. I'd bet you could also find a dry cleaner to do it.

How do they turn out after the cleaning? Mine is the toe area ONLY, and I wonder if it is worth it??

 

[RUDisney]

How do they turn out after the cleaning? Mine is the toe area ONLY, and I wonder if it is worth it??

That I don't know. I haven't felt the need to clean them yet. DD's may need it by the end of this season, though.

 

[mommasita]

That I don't know. I haven't felt the need to clean them yet. DD's may need it by the end of this season, though.

Ok, thanks

 

[Boo'sMom]

How do they turn out after the cleaning? Mine is the toe area ONLY, and I wonder if it is worth it??

I just had my Uggs cleaned, they came out awesome!

 

[mommasita]

I just had my Uggs cleaned, they came out awesome!

Great to hear!!! I am going to bring mine in. Thank You

 

[Grandmouse]

Do the Uggs stretch like th EMUs?